James scores 34 as Cavaliers beat Nuggets 93-87

James scores 34 as Cavaliers beat Nuggets 93-87

James scored 34 points on the eve of his birthday, Iman Shumpert added a season-high 16 and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Denver Nuggets 93-87 on Tuesday night.

Cavaliers coach David Blatt has the ideal gift for his star player.

The Cavaliers rested Kyrie Irving on the second night of a back-to-back as he works his way back from a fractured left kneecap.

No trouble as Kevin Love helped pick up the slack with eight points and 14 rebounds in Cleveland's fourth game in five nights.

Reserve Will Barton had 29 for the injury-riddled Nuggets, who've now dropped six of seven.

"If we were healthy and fully loaded, I'm sure we would play a little bit better," Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

Trailing by 11 with 3:07 remaining, the Nuggets resorted to fouling Tristan Thompson, who's a 56 percent free throw shooter.

On his way back down the court, James smiled at retired NBA player and Denver native Chauncey Billups, who was sitting courtside.